Scary Mains Power Stuff....

[vk6zgo]

@Simon the standard of education is a real problem at University level because of dumb stuff like this, unfortunately we still have to teach them a lot of what you and I consider common sense... using a hammer to put in a screw is very, very common...

That said perhaps it is because not everyone is technically minded. I was always interested in what my dad was doing as a kid, and wasn't one hanging out on the streets messing about, so perhaps that makes me the strange one?

Either way these LightwaveRF units look relatively cheap... £10 a plug and can be controlled using a 433MHz transmitter which are super cheap.

Ideally there would be a UK PowerSwitch Tail with some kind of certification, rather than a disclaimer at the bottom stating "Our liability is limited to the purchase price of this product only. By using this product you agree that PowerSwitchTail.com, LLC can not be held liable for any damages or injuries resulting from use, misuse, or repair."

Disclaimers aren't valid in the UK...

I shudder for the future of Art,if Artists are no longer interested in practical matters.

Artists were in the forefront of development of many of the processes which are the foundation of modern Industrial practice.

For instance,the moulding of large metal objects was first done by sculptors.
Paint pigments were part of Art technology for many years prior to their Industrial use.

[Simon]

I think the bottom line is that if an artist is going to be working in other fields as well they need to be knowledgeable in those fields, being an artist is no cop out. You either know how to do it yourself or you get someone in to do the techy bits for you under your artistic direction. It's like expecting an architect to physically build the house as well as design it.

[mikeselectricstuff]

This looks pretty close to exactly what you want:
http://www.sensormetrix.co.uk/product.php?id=120&rid=&rpage=search

There are a few ethernet controlled products

http://digidave.co.uk/jshop/product.php?xProd=293
http://digidave.co.uk/jshop/product.php?xProd=293

[con-f-use]

Why don't you guys design a simple relay board yourself and have it manufactured?

[Simon]

Why don't you guys design a simple relay board yourself and have it manufactured?

because in this stupid country we have to worry more about being sued in case someone does something stupid and hurts themselves and then blames you although it was down to their own stupidity......

[SL4P]

String these words together in a paragraph for a requirements doc...

Isolation
Self-Contained
Standards compliant
Double-insulated construction, or Ground mandatory before operation.
Continuous Earth path to connected downstream devices
Mains 90-250VAC  50/60Hz rated
Safety enclosure (shatterproof / Tamperproof / IP-rated for splash/ingress)
RCD/ELCB/Safety Switch included within device
optically isolated control (specify the interfaces expected)
PWM control optional e.g. Triac/SSR vs Relays
Doube-pole option if relays used.
RFI/EMI compliant
Feedback of output state
Visible indication of output state (LED/neon etc)
Fail-Safe functionality - no input = default OFF
Portable as needed
Re-usable for future projects.

[Simon]

your point being ?

[kingofkya]

Hackaday had a a good post about a really simple way to control the mains. One of thous modules that turn off went the sun comes up plus a led:)
http://hackaday.io/project/46/log/2548
http://hackaday.io/project/1047-Opto-isolated-AC-Mains-Switch


Also you may want to show then alliexpress and ws2811 they might have more fun with thous and there 5-12v

[rolycat]

Why not use one of those 'energy saving' mains socket strips with USB leads?

For example:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ecotek-Standby-Saver-6-Way-Socket/dp/B0017PTD3M

or

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141314890586

This is a US version:

http://www.ecostrip.com/

These use the USB power to energise a relay which switches the mains sockets. Turning off your PC also turns off the peripherals.

They aren't that great for their intended purpose since many PC USB ports remain powered from the standby supply when the PC is shut down, but I imagine a suitably buffered 5V signal from an Arduino or whatever would work perfectly well.

[mikeselectricstuff]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ecotek-Standby-Saver-6-Way-Socket/dp/B0017PTD3M

Rated 18 Not for sale to persons under the age of 18. By placing an order for this product, you declare that you are 18 years of age or over. This item must be used responsibly and appropriately.

WTF?

[SeanB]

Not allowed to use a credit card til over 18 so if you are using parents card they are covered if you kill yourself.

[rolycat]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ecotek-Standby-Saver-6-Way-Socket/dp/B0017PTD3M

Rated 18 Not for sale to persons under the age of 18. By placing an order for this product, you declare that you are 18 years of age or over. This item must be used responsibly and appropriately.

WTF?

That is weird - that warning is usually attached to bladed tools, although it's hard to imagine a teen gangster terrifying the populace with one of these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Faithfull-1099-Piercing-Saw/dp/B000297TEY/

[SeanB]

Probably boilerplate attached to any mains operated equipment. Your child could plug it in and shock themselves, so if the adult ordered it the responsibility and liability falls on them instead, as they are deemed to be the one in control.

[rolycat]

Probably boilerplate attached to any mains operated equipment. Your child could plug it in and shock themselves, so if the adult ordered it the responsibility and liability falls on them instead, as they are deemed to be the one in control.

Nope, you can buy mains powered equipment in the UK at any age. None of the other mains sockets I looked at on Amazon UK have that message, although a lot of bladed tools do.